SALT LAKE CITY – Just as he said he would, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed a bill on Friday that will allow Utah residents to carry concealed weapons without permission.
The controversial bill passed the Utah Senate earlier this week.
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The law, which will go into effect in May, allows anyone 21 and older to carry a concealed weapon without an FBI background check or four-hour training course.
Cox told FOX 13 last month that he intended to sign the law.
“With the passing of this bill, Utah joins 17 other states with some form of hidden transport without permission,” said Cox on Friday. “This bill protects the rights of the Second Amendment, reduces open transport without permission (which is already legal) and includes significant funding for suicide prevention.”
Weapon rights advocates, including the National Rifle Association, supported the project.
“There is no reason why a person who complies with the law should ask for permission to carry a firearm for self-defense,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director of NRA-ILA. “Passing this bill demonstrates Utah’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ Second Amendment rights.”
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The new law will also allow gun owners who wish to carry out activities hidden outside the state to obtain a license.